Composite supernova remnants are the relatively small class of remnants whichdisplay the expected result of a massive star.s explosion: a central synchrotronnebula powered by a young neutron star, and an expanding shell of emissionproduced by the stellar ejecta. We propose to observe the two such objects atthe extremes of the radio synchrotron core luminosity distribution in orderto address such issues as the range of initial pulsar spin periods and magneticfields. We will also establish their nebular spectral break frequencies whichreveal confinement pressures and offer clues as to the pulsars. spin histories.Finally, we will search for emission from surrounding thermal shells whichprovide an additional constraint on remnant age.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2001-03-08T22:05:12Z/2001-03-09T01:37:50Z
Version
17.56_20190403_1200
Mission Description
The European Space Agencys (ESA) X-ray Multi-Mirror Mission (XMM-Newton) was launched by an Ariane 504 on December 10th 1999. XMM-Newton is ESAs second cornerstone of the Horizon 2000 Science Programme. It carries 3 high throughput X-ray telescopes with an unprecedented effective area, and an optical monitor, the first flown on a X-ray observatory. The large collecting area and ability to make long uninterrupted exposures provide highly sensitive observations. Since Earths atmosphere blocks out all X-rays, only a telescope in space can detect and study celestial X-ray sources. The XMM-Newton mission is helping scientists to solve a number of cosmic mysteries, ranging from the enigmatic black holes to the origins of the Universe itself. Observing time on XMM-Newton is being made available to the scientific community, applying for observational periods on a competitive basis.
European Space Agency, Prof David Helfand, 2002, 'Composite Supernova Remnants: Home to the Youngest Neutron Stars', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-8xds5xw
